Fantastic Forest Parks for Kids County Limerick
Limerick is a wonderful place to visit with kids, with plenty of outdoor activities and attractions to explore. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the county is by visiting its many forest parks. From enchanted walks to exhilarating zip lines, Limerick's forest parks offer something for every member of the family.
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Summary Table - Fun Forest Parks for Kids in County Limerick
| Forest Park | Highlights | Activities | Age Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curraghchase Forest Park | Enchanted fairy trail, high ropes course, zip line, climbing wall | Walking trails, biking, fishing, boating | All ages (high ropes course for children over 7) |
| The Demesne, Newcastle West | Lake, playground, picnic tables and benches | Fishing, boating | All ages |
| Glenstal Abbey Woodland Walk | Waterfall, wildlife | Walking trails | All ages |
| Ballyhoura Forest Park | Mountain bike trails, high ropes course, zip line, climbing wall, picnic areas, playground | Biking, hiking, high ropes course, zip line, climbing wall | All ages (high ropes course for children over 7) |
| Curraghchase Caravan and Camping Park | Adventure playground, pet farm, walking trails | Camping, hiking, fishing, boating | All ages |
| Curraghchase Forest Park Fairy Trail | Enchanted fairy trail | Walking trail | All ages |
| Lough Gur | Heritage Centre, fishing, boating, wildlife | Heritage activities, fishing, boating | All ages |
| Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre | Rock climbing, abseiling, archery, orienteering | Adventure activities | Children over 8 |
| Limerick City Park | Playground, duck pond, sports facilities | Sports activities | All ages |
| Griston Bog Nature Reserve | Boardwalk through the bog, walking trails, wildlife | Hiking | All ages |
In this guide, we'll highlight some of the best forest parks for kids in County Limerick.
1. Curraghchase Forest Park
Curraghchase Forest Park is a beautiful woodland that stretches over 774 acres. The park is named after the Curraghchase House, which was built in the 18th century and is now in ruins. The park has plenty of walking trails that wind through the forest, offering a chance to see the wildlife and enjoy the fresh air.
One of the highlights of the park is the enchanted fairy trail, which takes visitors through a magical forest with fairy doors, toadstools, and other whimsical decorations. Children will love searching for the fairies and imagining their adventures.
For those looking for a bit more adventure, the park also has a high ropes course, zip line, and climbing wall. These activities are suitable for children over the age of 7 and are a great way to get the adrenaline pumping.
2. The Demesne, Newcastle West
The Demesne is a beautiful park located in the heart of Newcastle West. The park has a large lake, a playground, and plenty of walking trails that wind through the woodland. The playground has equipment suitable for all ages, from swings and slides to climbing frames and a zip line. There are also picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family day out.
The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and visitors can rent pedal boats and rowboats to explore the water. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including swans, ducks, and herons.
3. Glenstal Abbey Woodland Walk
Glenstal Abbey Woodland Walk is a serene forest park located in the grounds of Glenstal Abbey. The park has a number of walking trails that wind through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
One of the highlights of the park is the picturesque waterfall, which is located at the end of one of the trails. Children will love the opportunity to explore the rocky terrain and watch the water cascading down into the pool below.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers. Visitors are advised to keep an eye out for these creatures and to respect their natural habitats.
4. Ballyhoura Forest Park
Ballyhoura Forest Park is one of the largest forest parks in Ireland, covering over 10,000 acres. The park has a range of walking trails that wind through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
One of the highlights of the park is the mountain bike trails, which are suitable for all levels of ability. The trails range from easy to challenging, and visitors can rent bikes on-site. The park also has a high ropes course, zip line, and climbing wall, which are suitable for children over the age of 7.
For those looking for a more leisurely activity, the park has a number of picnic areas and a playground. The playground has equipment suitable for all ages, from swings and slides to climbing frames and a zip line.
5. Curraghchase Caravan and Camping Park
Curraghchase Caravan and Camping Park is a great spot for families who love the outdoors. The park has plenty of camping and caravan pitches, as well as a range of on-site activities.
One of the highlights of the park is the adventure playground, which has equipment suitable for all ages, from swings and slides to climbing frames and a zip line. There is also a pet farm where children can interact with animals such as donkeys, alpacas, and rabbits.
The park also has a number of walking trails that wind through the forest, offering a chance to see the wildlife and enjoy the fresh air. Visitors can also go fishing in the nearby lake or rent a boat to explore the water.
6. Curraghchase Forest Park Fairy Trail
The Fairy Trail at Curraghchase Forest Park is a must-visit for families with young children. The trail takes visitors through a magical forest with fairy doors, toadstools, and other whimsical decorations. Children will love searching for the fairies and imagining their adventures.
The trail is suitable for all ages and is a great way to introduce children to the beauty of nature. Along the way, visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the forest and take in the stunning views.
7. Lough Gur
Lough Gur is a beautiful lake located in the heart of County Limerick. The lake is surrounded by woodland and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and walking.
One of the highlights of the lake is the Lough Gur Heritage Centre, which offers a range of educational activities for children. Visitors can learn about the history of the area, including its rich archaeological heritage, and take part in workshops and interactive exhibits.
The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including swans, ducks, and herons. Visitors can rent boats to explore the water or simply relax on the shore and take in the stunning views.
8. Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre
Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre is a great spot for families who love adventure. The centre offers a range of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, abseiling, archery, and orienteering.
The centre is suitable for children over the age of 8 and is a great way to get the adrenaline pumping. The activities are led by experienced instructors, who provide all the necessary equipment and safety gear.
In addition to the outdoor activities, the centre also has a range of accommodation options, including self-catering cottages and camping facilities.
9. Limerick City Park
Limerick City Park is a beautiful green space located in the heart of the city. The park has a playground, picnic areas, and plenty of walking trails that wind through the woodland.
One of the highlights of the park is the duck pond, which is home to a variety of waterfowl. Children will love feeding the ducks and watching them swim in the water.
The park also has a number of sports facilities, including tennis courts and a basketball court. Visitors can rent equipment on-site and enjoy a game with family and friends.
10. Griston Bog Nature Reserve
Griston Bog Nature Reserve is a unique forest park located in the heart of County Limerick. The park is home to a rare raised bog habitat, which is home to a variety of rare and endangered species.
Visitors can explore the park on a boardwalk that winds through the bog, offering a chance to see the flora and fauna up close. The park also has a number of walking trails that wind through the surrounding woodland, offering stunning views of the countryside.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, County Limerick has a range of forest parks that offer something for every member of the family. From enchanted fairy trails to exhilarating zip lines, these parks are a great way to explore the natural beauty of the county and create lasting memories with your loved ones.